Criticises Government For Waste Of Time

Northern Advocate, 4 December 1947, Page 8

Criticises Government For Waste Of Time

CRITICISM of the Government for wasting time during the early part of the Parliamentary session and then rushing through legislation during the closing stages was made by Mr A. J. Murdoch, M.P. for Marsden, last night. He was addressing a meeting of Whangarei members of the National Party. '

The session had continued from June to tlie end of November, he said, and during the whole of his experience in Parliament he had never known such a number of questions and ansvvers and discussions of reports, all wasting time in the early part of tire session.

Inevitably there had been a rush at the end of the session. On one occasion, at 12.5 a.m., the Prime Minister iMr Fraser) had, asked leave to introduce two bills, one a Finance Act and the other the Superannuation Act. When leave had been given, the Prime Minister had moved that the Finance Bill should be read the first time and printed.

When asked by the Opposition for copies oi the bills, ho stated that he had not been able to have copies printed, because of pressure of work in the Government printing office. MAIN HIGHWAYS ACCOUNT The Finance Bill had been produced the next morning at 11 a.m. and the Superannuation Bill some hours later. An important measure, the Finance Bill had contained clauses dealing with the abolition of the main highways account. The Opposition had su'd that this was a retrograde step in the view of motorists and others, as it meant taking money from the highways account, which was a separate account, the funds being for highways alone.

Under the bill the Main Highways Board would have no funds and would have to go to the Minister of Finance, cap in hand, to ask for money to undertake highway work. Money contributed by motorists would go instead into the Consolidated Fund and motorists and local bodies opposed the bill.

Although such a plan appeared in the National Party's programme, the Opposition had opposed the Superannuation Bill because it had been rushed through at the last of the session, instead of being brought forward in the early part when the public would have had the opportunity of considering and discussing it. TO WA RD S SOCIA LIS ATIO N Another measure discussed by Mr Murdoch was what he termed an attempt to turn war regulations into peacetime legislation. conferring on the Government the same powers - it had had in wartime. This measure had been strenuously opposed by the National Party, bringing about an all-night sitting. Powers conferred on the Government by the bill were such that its officers could walk into any farm or business and take possession, if they so desired. If the owner or occupier failed to comply, it was competent for the Government to appoint a representative who would have complete charge.

This bill had been all embracing and, in the opinion of the Opposition, had been a definite attempt to bring socialisation to business in New Zealand. After an all-night sitting the Prime Minister had agreed to withdraw the major clause giving such comprehensive powers, and consideration of the bill had been deferred until next session. PRESENTATIONS On behalf of members the president (Mr J. Finlayson) presented Mr Murdoch with a travelling rug and Mrs Murdoch with a handbag. Mr Murdoch thanking members for their gifts and the warm welcome which had been extended to his wife and himself. Vocal solos were given by Mrs Remington, Miss D. Hosking, Mr A. Cameron and Mr R. Johnson, Mr A. E. Hill being the accompanist. Supper was served by the women's committee, Mrs H. "M. May (the chairman) being presented with a crystal .vase in appreciation of the work she had done.